Not all animals are legal to own, and many more require special permits or licenses to have in Georgia. Plenty of exotic animals are legal to own as pets, and our pet sitting service includes them as well.
Dangerous animals, such as wolves and crocodiles, are illegal to own in Georgia, as are most native wild animals. Exotic pets you can legally own include many birds, non-venomous lizards, snakes, and fish. These animals need to be fed and taken care of like any other pet when you leave town, and Critter Sitters provides pet sitting services for exotic animals that are legal to own as pets in Georgia.
You can call (404) 793-6178 to learn more about the Georgia pet sitters of Critter Sitters.
What Animals Can’t You Own as Pets in Georgia?
If you don’t have the right permits or licenses, you can’t legally own many wild and native species as pets in Georgia, from the obvious, like black bears, to the not-so-obvious, such as raccoons.
Some animals are totally prohibited as pets by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, while others are only legal to own with a special permit or license and the necessary insurance, which is generally only obtained by zoos or shelters. The following native species of wildlife are prohibited as pets:
- Black bear
- Bob cat
- Coyote
- Gray fox
- Alligator
- Box turtle
- Garter snake
Many more wild animals require a license or permit to own in Georgia, and it’s important to know what rules apply before purchasing any exotic animal.
It’s illegal to own some birds as pets without a license, too, such as eagles and falcons.
Owning primates, wild cats, non-domesticated canines, and large and venomous reptiles is heavily regulated and not possible for most people.
Don’t take a wild animal into your home before checking to see if it’s legal and safe.
What Exotic Animals Can You Own as Pets in Georgia?
While large and dangerous wild animals are illegal to keep as pets in Georgia, many exotic animals are perfectly legal to own, though they may be regulated.
Many non-native, nonvenomous reptiles are legal to own as pets in Georgia, including geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons, and tortoises.
You can also own most captive-bred, non-native birds as pets, including parrots, doves, canaries, and more.
If you’re unsure whether or not you can legally own a certain exotic animal as a pet in Georgia, reach out to the Department of Natural Resources for clarification.
What if You Need a Pet Sitter for Your Exotic Pet?
Exotic pets need to be looked after when their owners are away, just like any dog, cat, or other pet living in your home. If you need a pet sitter for your bird, fish, reptile, or other animal, you can reach out to Critter Sitters for help right away.
While our services focus primarily on cats and dogs, we can also feed and monitor other pets in your home. We can address their cleaning and feeding needs so their schedules aren’t interrupted by your trip out of town.
Pet sitting rates for the first exotic animal start at $26 per visit, and there is an extra $3 for each additional exotic animal in your household.
Pet sitting includes a free at-home orientation for all animals. Show your pet sitter where your animal’s cage or habitat is, where they can find its supplies, and tell them everything they need to know about caring for your exotic pet.
Why Are Some Animals Illegal to Own as Pets in Georgia?
Albeit frustrating to some animal lovers, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why some animals are always illegal to own as pets in Georgia and why others are heavily regulated.
Some animals pose an inherent public safety risk, such as crocodiles, alligators, venomous snakes, and big cats. Others are banned or regulated to protect Georgia’s native wildlife and ecosystems, as they could be a serious threat if released. Keeping native species as pets also harms native ecosystems and is generally illegal in Georgia.
Before you bring any exotic pet into your household, make sure it is legal to own in your area.
FAQs About Our Pet Sitters for Dogs, Cats, and Exotic Animals in Georgia
How Much Does Pet Sitting for Different Animals Cost?
Pet sitting for the first animal, whether it is a dog, cat, or other pet, costs $26 per visit. For each additional exotic animal after the first, there is an extra $3 charge.
How Can You Find Pet Sitters for Exotic Animals?
You can ask your exotic pet’s veterinarian or other bird, fish, lizard, or snake owners who they trust to look after their exotic pets while they are away on vacation or work trips.
What Happens During Pet Sitting Visits for Exotic Animals?
During pet sitting visits for exotic animals in Georgia, our sitters can address all their feeding and cleaning needs. We can also provide out-of-town services, including bringing mail and packages inside, locking doors, watering plants, and turning lights on and off to conserve electricity.
Is Pet Sitting for Birds, Fish, and Other Exotic Animals Worth It?
Hiring a pet sitter to look after your bird, fish, reptile, or other exotic animal is worth it because it gives you peace of mind, knowing that all your pet’s basic needs are being taken care of in your absence.
How Do You Get a Permit to Legally Own a Certain Pet?
To get the approval you need to own a regulated exotic animal in Georgia legally, you must contact the Department of Natural Resources and satisfy all the requirements to get a permit or license.
Call Our Georgia Pet Sitters for Help Now
Call the pet sitters of Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 to schedule pet sitting with us in Georgia.
